Did you know that the Bundt pan is actually a trademarked piece of kitchen equipment, not just a generic style of pan? It was invented by H. David Dalquist, the founder of Nordic Ware, in 1950. He first created the pan for members of a Hadassah chapter in Minneapolis who requested a pan that would allow them to make cakes as elaborate as classic European varieties. Mimicking a traditional German pan, Dalquist added ridges to his model so the cake would be easier to cut. Some 67 years later, Nordic Ware is as strong as ever in the Bundt pan game, making tons of pan shapes more elaborate than the original ridged one.

Below are some of my favorite Bundt pan styles by the OG manufacturer—sure, you don't need 12 Bundt pans in lavishly weird and amazing shapes, but you don't need a fidget spinner either. These are all made of quality molded aluminum to ensure your cake emerges from the oven with an even crust, and they'll take your holiday baking to a whole new level. So, actually, you do need one.

How cool is this geographic bundt pan? Apparently there are secret hearts hidden in the design if you look closely enough, though I stared for longer than I'd like to admit and still couldn't find them. That said, a puzzle and a cake for your guests in one is a pretty great party trick. Plus, think how the pan's pointy edges and indented shapes will perfectly capture little pockets of a sweet glaze.

Floral decorations on cakes are one thing, but an entire cake shaped like a rose? Mind-blowing. You know what would be the perfect cake to bake in this? A rose-glazed rhubarb and pistachio cake, of course.

Who says a Bundt has to be round? This highly detailed square-shaped pan will take Bundt cake out of the demure tea party realm and modernize it for the dessert table. Again, it's cast aluminum from Nordic Ware, so you know your cake will brown perfectly, even if the shape in non-conventional.

It's the holiday season, after all. A Bundt made in the shape of a wintery pine forest is going to be the star of any dessert spread this year, and will totally eliminate the need for more complicated cakes. To make it extra seasonal, make a chocolate cake and dust it with powdered sugar so it looks like a snowy forest.

Instead of precariously pieces of gingerbread against one another, slathering lots of frosting glue on, and hoping for the best, make this gingerbread house-shaped cake and decorate it with brightly colored frosting with your kids. It'll be easier, and probably more delicious, to be honest.

This castle bundt pan will outlast the holiday season. Of course, it's perfect for a kid's birthday party. And, it's versatile based on how you decorate it: Turn it into a Halloween cake by adding ghosts, spiderwebs, and tombstones. Or make it a princess castle. Or, make it festive for a holiday party (or for a Frozen-themed birthday.)

Can't choose a shape? These mini Bundt pans allow you to make a bunch of mini cakes in various decorative shapes. These smaller cakes are perfect for baked good exchanges over the holidays (or for when you're craving dessert but don't want to commit to an entire cake).

The lotus flower is a symbol of calmness. You know what else is really calming? Eating cake. Combine the two and you're sure to be 100-percent, totally zen. Plus, you'll have an impressive and delicious baked good to show off.